Infertility Treatment for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

In women trying to conceive a pregnancy, the first step in treatment of PCOS is lifestyle modification, diet management including a healthy diet and exercise. Lower carbohydrates, a reduced glycemic load, etc are shown to be most successful in patients with PCOS. Recommended exercise in PCOS patients is at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times per week, with daily exercise being the ultimate goal for minimization of symptoms of PCOS.

Infrequent ovulation in women despite lifestyle modifications may require fertility medications to assist with the release of an egg from the ovary. Typical initial therapy for patients with PCOS who do not ovulate and are trying to conceive includes administration of certain fertility medications. These include selective estrogen receptor modulators.

High levels of androgens ('male' hormones such as testosterone) and high insulin levels can affect the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). When an egg is not released on a regular basis, this is called “anovulation”. There could be a stoppage of ovulation completely or it can occur irregularly. This can make it more difficult for women with PCOS to conceive naturally, and some women may also have a greater risk of miscarriage. However, this does not mean all women with PCOS are infertile.

Few women with PCOS might experience reduced fertility or 'sub fertility' where it might take longer to conceive, or they might need further medical assistance to achieve a pregnancy. With the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology, the process becomes easier. We at MotherToBe can help you in treatment of PCOS to achieve conception through the various treatment options available including In vitro Fertilization.

High levels of androgens ('male' hormones such as testosterone) and high insulin levels can affect the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). When an egg is not released on a regular basis, this is called “anovulation”. There could be a stoppage of ovulation completely or it can occur irregularly. This can make it more difficult for women with PCOS to conceive naturally, and some women may also have a greater risk of miscarriage. However, this does not mean all women with PCOS are infertile.

Few women with PCOS might experience reduced fertility or 'sub fertility' where it might take longer to conceive, or they might need further medical assistance to achieve a pregnancy. With the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology, the process becomes easier. We at MotherToBe can help you in treatment of PCOS to achieve conception through the various treatment options available including In vitro Fertilization.

Management and treatment of PCOS can include a range of elements such as a healthy approach to diet and physical activity, medications and complementary therapies. The following are the different ways you can manage and treat PCOS.

There is no cure, but there are a number of ways to manage the symptoms and the impact of PCOS,
You can achieve this by the following:

• Lowering of insulin resistance levels
• Treatment of acne
• Restoration of fertility
• Treatment of hirsutism
• Restoration of regular menstruation

The primary treatment for PCOS includes:
• Lifestyle changes
• Diet Management
• Regular exercise
• Avoid Alcohol and smoking
• Natural PCOS fertility aids
• Medication
• Emotional and psychological support

A life with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and trying to conceive with it, is a dual concern for many women of childbearing age. PCOS with its wide range of symptoms is the most common hormonal disturbance of premenopausal women and a leading cause of fertility issues. Living with PCOS can be complex without some medical guidance. If you have any of the following symptoms of PCOS, make an appointment with us for guided assistance:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• Inability to get pregnant or recurrent miscarriage
• Acne, oily skin
• High levels of androgen “male” hormones
• Weight gain or Obesity
• Balding or thinning hair
• Hirsutism: excessive hair growth in areas on the face, neck, chest, stomach, back, hands, feet
• Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

For some women with PCOS, fertility tablets do not result in ovulation or pregnancy, and they require fertility injections to release an egg. Fertility injections contain the same hormone the brain releases to signal the ovary to produce eggs. Rather than producing one egg in a month, most women on fertility injections will produce two or more eggs. This treatment requires closer monitoring with transvaginal ultrasounds and several blood tests to determine and assess the hormone levels in the women. The fertility injections are associated with an increased risk of multiple births.

Women with PCOS can undergo an Assisted Reproductive Technology, including an In vitro Fertilization to undergo a healthy process of conception. In cases like these, regular fertility injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are extracted in a minor procedure. The eggs are fertilized in a lab set-up and then a resulting embryo (fertilized egg) is transferred into the woman’s uterus. Any additional embryos can be frozen (in a process called cryopreservation) for future use.

For some women with PCOS, fertility tablets do not result in ovulation or pregnancy, and they require fertility injections to release an egg. Fertility injections contain the same hormone the brain releases to signal the ovary to produce eggs. Rather than producing one egg in a month, most women on fertility injections will produce two or more eggs. This treatment requires closer monitoring with transvaginal ultrasounds and several blood tests to determine and assess the hormone levels in the women. The fertility injections are associated with an increased risk of multiple births.

Women with PCOS can undergo an Assisted Reproductive Technology, including an In vitro Fertilization to undergo a healthy process of conception. In cases like these, regular fertility injections are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are extracted in a minor procedure. The eggs are fertilized in a lab set-up and then a resulting embryo (fertilized egg) is transferred into the woman’s uterus. Any additional embryos can be frozen (in a process called cryopreservation) for future use.

Lifestyle Changes: A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important aspects of managing PCOS successfully. Optimize your lifestyle for effective results.

Diet Management: A healthy diet will ensure you are getting an adequate intake of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. This would help in effectively dealing with PCOS.

Regular Exercise: Exercising regularly may reduce the severity of some symptoms and reduce the risk of developing type 2diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Also, regular exercise have associated benefits in dealing with PCOS- being physically active increases energy levels, helps with self-confidence and motivation and reduces anxiety and depression.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Smoking and consumption of alcohol have directly been associated with PCOS and infertility problems.

Natural PCOS fertility aids: There are steps you can take to naturally bring about ovulation. By maintaining a healthy weight and eating fewer processed foods or foods without added sugar, you can improve your body’s use of insulin and balance your hormone levels. Some women report complete relief of PCOS symptoms after changing their diet and exercise habits. Weight loss can help to regulate your cycle, improve the frequency of ovulation, lower androgen levels and thereby improve your fertility.

Medication: The easiest way to treat PCOS is with birth control pills which work best for patients with hirsuitism, acne and menstrual irregularity.

Alternative way to address PCOS is to lower the insulin levels.

Emotional and Psychological Support: Seek accurate health information from our trusted sources to assist your decision making. Our professional experts can provide help resolve your physical and psychological disturbances.

Book an appointment with us, for further assistance and infertility treatments at MotherToBe, best fertility centre in Hyderabad.